Introduction to Russian History

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. CONTENT. Russian history, culture and society from origins to the present; rise of the Russian Empire; autocracy; modernization without liberalization; reforms, reaction, revolution; development of Communist regime; continuity from Imperial to Soviet period in industrialization, bureaucracy and treatment of peasants, nationalities and intellectual opposition; Gorbachev and a new "revolution." Course content is selected to align with the course description and the current state of scholarship in the field. The presentation of course content fosters critical thinking in the context of scholarly consensus and debate, rather than instructors’ views, values or beliefs. Instructors may assign different readings and/or topics that fit within the course description and meet the learning objectives. BENEFITS. History teaches evaluation and synthesis of evidence, development of persuasive arguments in written and oral form, expansion of understandings of historical contexts that have contributed to human complexity past and present, including but not limited to the formation of group and individual identities, social and political dynamics, and debates about values and rights. Applying this knowledge produces more informed citizens, who are proficient in the abilities required by today’s workforce.